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The holding company for ServisFirst Bank announced Monday that its core earnings per share rose 6 percent year over year in the first quarter, excluding merger related charges. The bank closed its acquisition of Metro Bancshares Inc. of Atlanta on Jan. 31.

Its core net income of $14.8 million was up 21 percent year over year, the bank said.

“We are pleased to welcome our new bankers, as we had the largest increase in our production team during a period in our ten year history,” President and CEO Tom Broughton said.

The bank also announced that it earned investment-grade ratings by the Kroll Bond Rating Agency. In a release, KBRA said the ratings “are supported by ServisFirst Bank’s sound financial fundamentals, … experienced management team, exceptional cost culture as well as positive asset quality and earnings metrics.”

Small business optimism down

A monthly survey of optimism among the state’s small businesses has hit its lowest level in nearly a year.

The National Federation of Independent Business' March reading dropped 2.8 points to 95.2, the lowest it’s been since June of last year.

It was a sharp drop from February, which was the survey’s highest reading since 2007.

State-specific data wasn’t available, but NFIB Alabama State Director Rosemary Elebash said in a statement that the national trends mirror what's happening at the state level. “The bottom line is that small, family businesses don't have the confidence right now to grow and create jobs,” she said.

NFIB pointed to a weak second quarter job forecast and a drop in consumer spending.

Regions renews $1.5B loan pool

Regions Bank has committed to providing another $1.5 billion through the end of the year to a loan pool created two years ago for expanding Alabama businesses.

The fund has financed nearly $3 billion in business activities since it launched, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce. The bank works with the business community and the state to target potential candidates.

“Regions’ renewed commitment to this loan program will sustain that momentum, creating countless additional jobs across the state,” Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield said in a statement.

Companies interested in learning more about Regions’ Alabama Economic Development Loan Pool can contact a Regions banker or visit a local branch for a referral.